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Light It Up: A Must-Read Guide on Wall Sconces

Three bright ways to make wall lights work for you

Kelly Porter 20 May 2018

Houzz Contributor

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Lighting is one of the most important elements in design, but it is often overlooked. A great lighting plan will improve the appearance of colours and furnishings, and it will also help you look and feel better in your space. There are three main types of lighting that work together to achieve balance: Ambient, task and accent. Wall sconces – depending on where they are positioned – can fit into all three of these categories. Read on to find out how these versatile fixtures can help to make your room shine!

Contemporary Living Room Tailored Sophistication

Task lighting is just what the name implies. Whether it’s reading, doing homework, crafting or cooking, this type of lighting helps you to perform tasks. It’s a light source that is close-in and usually represented by lamps or low-hanging ceiling fixtures.

In this space, wall-mounted lamps provide task lighting for the sofa. Even with the dark wall colour, the lighting is now sufficient for reading.

Green Apple Design

Ambient lighting provides a space with overall, general illumination. Good ambient lighting isn’t harsh, yet it floods a room with enough balanced lighting so that you can see and move around safely. In rooms with tall ceilings, sconces can be installed high on the wall which will add to the ambient lighting, as shown here.

Check out this guide on ambient lighting

Chic Decor

Accent lighting adds to a room's appeal by creating drama. As shown in this space, wall sconces with dark, opaque shades will force the light to radiate out from above and below the fixture. This creates a very interesting hourglass shape on the wall, as well as dramatic shadows.

Tip: Accent lighting is also used to put the focus on artwork, plants or architectural elements that are of interest. This type of lighting should be brighter than the surrounding ambient lighting.

Contemporary Dining Room Contemporary Dining Room

Here, crystal walls sconces provide accent lighting with sparkle. This shimmering light adds an unexpected twist to the understated, modern space.

In this space, extra-long wall sconces measure up to the size of the large, oval mirror. This creates a captivating focal point that is in perfect proportion, and the sconces also add to the ambient lighting of the room.

Take a look at these mirror design and placement ideas

LORRAINE G VALE, Allied ASID

Sometimes the best things come in threes. In this bathroom, a trio of wall sconces is spaced evenly between the vanity mirrors, creating task lighting that is perfectly balanced and adequate for grooming and getting glam.

Harrell Design + Build

Miniature wall sconces are great space savers in smaller spaces, but don’t be fooled by their size. Wall-mounted reading fixtures, like the ones pictured here, often use powerful ‘laser beamed’ LED bulbs, which are also energy efficient.

See these guaranteed space-saving solutions

American Traditional Kids Traditional Kids

In a bedroom without nightstands, wall sconces can become a necessary substitute for table lamps. Positioned about 30-36 inches above the bed, these wall sconces make terrific lights for reading.

User

Whether they are actual candles made from wax or faux candles powered by electricity, traditional “candelabra” wall sconces always add a touch of elegance to a room.

Read more:
A Guide to Lighting Your Home

Tell us:
How have you lit-up your home? Share your ideas and thoughts in the Comments below.

Comment33

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rick strini STRINI ART GLASS

wow thanks you guys , I would love to do an article on Houzz? I wonder how it happens?

Like 8 September 2014 at 12:21am

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Lightcrafters, Inc.

I wanted to share photos of a few or our many, many wall sconces. All are customizable to your specific needs. Custom work is available as well. 19 years of service to the lighting industry. All manufacturing is done in Austin, TX typically with a three week turnaround. Thanks for looking!

5 Likes 9 September 2014 at 10:43pm

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Jeanne Mendazona

What is the normal height at which to mount wall sconces that are flanking an exterior sliding door in a dining room? There will be a long (~10 ft.) dining table running parallel to the door.

1 Like 14 February 2018 at 12:32am

Light It Up: A Must-Read Guide on Wall Sconces

Three bright ways to make wall lights work for you

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